Meet Samnang, a 3-year-old toddler from Cambodia who loves eating mangos and rice porridge and playing with his two older sisters. His parents work in a nearby village as potato and corn farmers. As Samnang is not in school yet, he stays home with relatives. In February 2023, Samnang suffered burns from a gasoline fire near his house. He was immediately taken to a hospital in a nearby province for treatment, where he remained for one month. Samnang has continued to receive follow-up care at a clinic closer to his house. The doctors there suggested the family travel to Phnom Penh to seek further care for burn scarring. Samnang's left hand has developed burn scar contractures, tightening the skin around his fingers and wrist and limiting the function of his hand. When Samnang's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for six and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 1st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help improve his hand function. CSC is requesting $495 to fund this surgery. His family raised $100 for his care. His mother shared her hope that, with treatment, Samnang can use his hand more easily and be able to do things independently.

Srean is a retired rice farmer from Prey Veng province. He is 53 years old and married with two sons and one grandchild. Several years ago, Srean's wife lost her hand in a brick kiln accident, so Srean helps with many household chores. His oldest son, a construction worker, financially supports Srean and his wife. At home, Srean and his wife like to listen to the news on the radio. Several years ago, Srean developed a cataract in his right eye, causing blurred vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking. His condition has also taken a mental toll, as he oftens feels disheartened by his difficulty helping his wife with daily chores like he used to. When Srean learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 14th, Srean will undergo cataract surgery at CSC's care center. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, Srean needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Srean said "I hope after surgery I can see better, go outside, and perhaps plant rice again."

Edisimary is a 49-year-old farmer. She has six children: three sons and three daughters. Her eldest son is a welder, and her two younger sons are training to be mechanics. All three of her daughters are currently students. Edisimary shared that she completed the seventh grade but was unable to continue her education due to a lack of funding. Now, Edisimary and her husband work as farmers on a small piece of land where they eat what they grow and sell any surplus to generate income. During her free time, Edisimary enjoys listening to the radio. For the past three years, Edisimary has experienced painful swelling in her neck, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing which has impacted her voice. She has difficulty working, as her symptoms also cause her to tire quickly. Due to financial challenges, Edisimary has been unable to seek medical attention. A friend informed Edisimary of a surgical support program at our medical partner's care center and she decided to go hoping for support. There she was diagnosed with a bilateral goiter which requires surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening. Thankfully, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help Edisimary. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on June 6th at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland to help relieve her symptoms. This procedure will cost $252 and Edisimary and her family need help raising money for her treatment. Edisimary says, “I hope to get well and expect a complete recovery once I am given your kind support for surgery.”